Best of Colorado's Mr. Fix-Its
From the Best Dry Cleaner to the Best Landscaper – Who's who made the cut in 2018
BEST CARPET + RUG CLEANING
Denver-based Zerorez does not use any soaps, shampoos or harsh chemicals. Its cleaning system includes a patent on "Empowered Water," which acts as a soap, Zerorez is able to clean floors, rugs, upholstery, tile and hard surfaces without leaving residue behind, for residential and commercial clients. The company also prides itself on customer service, and notes that Zerorez technicians must pass a 15-page technical exam before they are released in the field alone.
RUNNERS-UP
BEST DRY CLEANER
Dependable Cleaners is a third-generation family business. That means there are no Wall Street investors telling the company what to do, President Steven Totz says.
"We can do things because it's the right thing to do, such as pay our employees a living wage."
The company also pays for 75 percent of employees' health insurance.
One new service launching this year is 24/7 automated pick-up service at the location on Orchard Road and Holly Street. The service combines an ATM-like system in the exterior of the store, and a conveyor belt that brings the clean clothes to the customer.
"We are changing with the times," Toltz says. "we are not sitting still."
RUNNERS-UP
BEST HEATING + AC SERVICE
Broomfield-based Cooper Heating & Cooling offers 24/7 service, and customers can schedule a service online. That comes in handy when someone needs a leak fixed or a furnace installed. Online reviews praise the business about the professionalism of the installers and salespeople. There is also a Colorado Springs office.
RUNNERS-UP
APPLEWOOD PLUMBING, HEATING & ELECTRIC
BEST JANITORIAL SERVICE
Accountability is very important to Kleen-Tech, so the company holds weekly leadership meetings to review various performance metrics for the prior week. That way they know where follow-up is needed, and when to congratulate team members on accomplishments. Last year, Kleen-Tech rolled out monthly customer surveys seeking responses on a score from one to 10, and asking how it can reach the next highest score. When there is positive feedback, the employee at that location gets recognized for his or her hard work.
RUNNERS-UP
BEST LANDSCAPE/LAWN CONTRACTOR
Designs By Sundown creates distinctive outdoor environments for high-end residential projects and commercial properties. Its work ranges from downtown rooftops to multi-acre estates. Founded in 1985 by Denver native Michael Hommel, the company won the popular HGTV reality series "Landscapers' Challenge," beating two prominent Denver landscape firms. Designed By Sundown has won more than 50 Excellence in Landscape awards from the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado – more than any other landscape company in the state over the past decade.
RUNNERS-UP
SWINGLE LAWN, TREE + LANDSCAPE CARE INC.
BEST PLUMBING SERVICE
Cooper Heating & Cooling offers comprehensive services that keep homes running smoothly. Founded in 1978, the company can handle everything from plumbing and electrical to heating and air conditioning so property owners, whether residential or commercial, don't have to juggle four or five different contractors. Xcel Energy named the company a Top 5 High Efficiency Furnace and Air Conditioner Rebate provider in 2010, and the company has been No. 1 every year since. It's also earned the Super Service Award from Angie's List every years since 2011.
RUNNERS-UP
APPLEWOOD PLUMBING, HEATING + ELECTRIC
SUNSHINE PLUMBING HEATING + AIR
BEST PAINTING CONTRACTOR
One of the things that sets Walls by Design apart is that it offers free touchups for life. The company sets aside the months of January and February to do touchups on any paint job it has completed. And the work is certain to be meticulously attended to because the workers at Walls by Design are more than painters – they're artists, too. Ninety percent of the company's employees showcase their own art around Denver. The only work Walls by Design contracts out is its color consultations. The company works with some of Denver's best interior designers to help clients choose the colors for their homes.
RUNNERS-UP
BEST ROOFING CONTRACTOR
J. Warren Exteriors' roofing professionals are certified in the application of composition/asphalt shingles, tile, fabricated metal and stone-coated steel roofs. The company has formed partnerships with high-quality manufacturers that make the materials. Owner Jacob Hartung, a Colorado native with extensive experience in the construction and restoration industry, formed the company in 2017 to help homeowners with their restoration needs while emphasizing customer-service.
RUNNERS-UP
AMERICAN ROOFING + CONSTRUCTION
BEST WASTE + RECYCLING SERVICE
Waste Management provides much more than disposal and recycling services. The company, which serves more than 21 million customers in the U.S. and Canada, provides personal counseling to help customers achieve their green goals. The company is focused on raising awareness of the need to get serious about recycling, including its economic and environmental value. In 2007, the company set sustainability goals it intends to achieve by 2020. Those include reducing carbon dioxide emissions and improving the efficiency of its fleet by 15 percent, a goal it's exceeded with its fleet efficiency increasing by 24 percent over 2007. It also set out to establish 1000 wildlife habitat programs and protect 20,000 acres at Waste Management sites, a goal it met in 2010 and has continued to maintain.
RUNNERS-UP
